'She' Names

Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.

Many girls' names beginning with Ad- are enjoying newfound popularity, mainly Adelaide, Adeline, and Ada. Adalaide is a spelling that bridges the gap between Ada and Adelaide, which in German come from the same root.

Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is masculine. The similar Adlai might be easier to wear for boys in English speaking countries, while Adalia fits in with Adeline, Amelia, and Dahlia.

Though it sounds modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, and the name of a historic seaport in the Western Netherlands, also known as Brill. Today, it is used more widely as a nickname for Gabrielle and as a stand-alone name that fits in easily with Isabelle, Briana, and Brinley. In a recent year, it appeared in the US Top 200, ranking above the longer form and used nearly four times as often.

Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the 17th century.

An old name, with a history separate from Emily and Emma and a different kind of vintage feel, that's a possible alternative to top-of-the-pops names. More common spelling is Emmeline.

Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.

Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.

Delicate and obscure version of this many-faceted name.

Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.

Oakley, with its nature name roots and its Annie Oakley charm, is a hot name for both genders but more than twice as popular for girls. This name made it into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013, one of only four girl names starting with O to rank that high. A decade letter, it's aiming for the Top 100.

Sofia is a refined variation of the Greek name Sophia, which was derived directly from sophia, the Greek word for wisdom. It was the name of a Roman saint—the mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity—and queens of Russia and Spain.

Taelor is a contemporary spelling variation of Taylor, which originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'tailor' or 'one who makes clothes.' This feminine version with its distinctive spelling offers a fresh take on a name that has become increasingly popular for girls since the 1990s. The unique spelling helps differentiate it from the more common Taylor while maintaining the same pronunciation. Despite its masculine occupational origins, Taelor has firmly established itself as a unisex name with a modern, slightly androgynous appeal. The popularity of figures like singer Taylor Swift has helped maintain the name's prominence. This spelling variant appeals to parents seeking a familiar sound with a unique written presentation.